Layers of Authentication
There’s never been a better time to tighten digital perimeters. Hackers lurk around every online corner, forcing IT professionals and consumers to always be on high alert. But much of that paranoia can be set aside by fortifying log-on processes with MFA. That’s multi-factor authentication — and it’s what completes the security picture today when it comes to logging on to digital systems.
MFA is a method that requires more than one factor to grant users access to a website, system or database. Access is permitted only after a user has presented two or more pieces of “evidence” proving they are who they say are — like entering a password and a one-time code that’s texted or sent via email. Done right, password fishing is useless because MFA balances protection, encryption and ease-of-use while ensuring the sign-on experience is efficient and simple for all.
RFID
One technology that adds layers of protection while ensuring usability is radio frequency identification (RFID) technology. RFID is flexible, secure and efficient. It’s a wireless system used to exchange information effortlessly between devices and is often incorporated into access cards, mobile phones, key fobs or wearables like smart watches.
Most of us are quite familiar with RFID devices. They are waved in front of a reader to access limitless applications including buildings, doors, turnstiles, elevators, vending machines, smart printers, lockers and more. RFID is simple to implement and use, and when paired with single sign-on it provides a second layer of protection when authenticating users. This multi-layer approach ensures applications are accessed by the right credentialed person in every instance.
Biometrics
Using a face or finger as part of a multi-factor authentication process for verifying identities also offers superior security. Across Europe, biometrics plays an increasingly important role in identifying and supporting citizens obtaining benefits, government distributions and when moving between borders. Seek out biometric technologies that are developed using Privacy by Design to ensure ethical data collection with proper user opt-in/opt-out protections, and EULA guidance that’s fully compliant with today’s privacy regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
Multi-Factor Satisfaction
Adopting MFA shores up security across a number of industries — from financial services to healthcare to government. Adding layers of authentication better protects data and business systems, and it’s easy to integrate smart RFID and biometric readers into your existing technology solutions. Not only does matching the right technology to each application make for an ideal security fit, but MFA from HID also translates to a more seamless, intuitive sign-on experience. Some might refer to it as multi-factor satisfaction!
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Helmut has been in the security business for more than 25 years in various management roles for some of the leading suppliers of a broad range of security solutions. He also holds some patents.
Within the last 20 years he has successfully led different engineering, global product management and marketing teams. His portfolio includes one of the first VPN products ever as well as solutions for HW-based encryption solutions in combination with RFID technologies managed by his various teams. He has been with HID now for more than 10 years with a focus on RFID technologies, and is used to challenging the status quo in seeking more customer-friendly solutions and services.